Southeastern Europe

"The German government has information about the Open Balkans initiative. We believe that any regional cooperation in the Western Balkans should be welcomed," reads a written answer to Tanjug's question about Germany's position on the Open Balkans initiative.

The war-torn state was an important proving ground for Balkan militaries for almost 20 years - but it came at a considerable expense, and that money can now be usefully redirected.

"It is time for the EU and NATO to become realistic about Serbia and for Washington D.C. to send a clear signal that NATO will protect all of Serbia's neighbors from 'Belgrade intentions'", said the U.S. expert on Balkan issues, Daniel Serwer, as Koha reports.

Slovenian President Borut Pahor has said he believed that a solution to the Bulgarian blockade of North Macedonia would be found soon and that this would "restore credibility and trust in the EU" at a meeting with the presidents of Croatia and Austria.

She told her successors that the process should not be interrupted and that, despite the need for a lot of engagement and patience, they should use the opportunity to accept the countries of the Western Balkans - Serbia, Montenegro, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina and North Macedonia.

Only passengers travelling to the United Kingdom are subjected to quarantine. 

The majority of countries in the region require confirmation of vaccination or negative PCR or antigen test made less than 48 or 72 hours prior to travel in order to avoid 7-14-day quarantine.

Some countries require completion of online health forms or medical checks upon arrival. 

Ohrid – President Borut Pahor made a case for the EU’s rapid enlargement to Western Balkans as he addressed the Prespa Forum Dialogue on Friday, arguing that this was in the interest of the EU and would strengthen the bloc as well as the region.

The president said continued enlargement was instrumental to the stability and prosperity of Western Balkans.

On the occasion of the upcoming virtual Berlin Process Summit, scheduled for Monday, hosted by Germany, in a video message on Sunday, Merkel said she was happy, although it would only be a virtual meeting, which would allow her to continue working with the heads of state and government of the Western Balkans, launched in 2014 as part of the Berlin process at Germany's initiative.

Brdo pri Kranju – EU enlargement is one of Slovenian EU presidency priorities and a response to strategic challenges, Prime Minister Janez Janša told Thursday’s press conference after a meeting between the government and the EU Commission delegation marking the start of the presidency stint. Slovenia will host an EU-Western Balkans summit in October.

Shared Interests

European Union flags. Photo: EPA-EFE

In an exclusive opinion piece for Balkan Insight, the foreign ministers of the EU's 'Trio Presidency' - Germany, Portugal and Slovenia - reaffirm the EU's commitment to enlargement and opening accession negotiations with Albania and North Macedonia.